A Rainbow Coming Out of a Cloud
Sparked by a Black History Month article about Paul R. Williams, a pioneering architect who began designing in the early 1920s, I’ve been thinking about barriers and the ways, both simple and exceptional, they can be overcome. By the time he died in 1980, this innovative architect had created nearly 2,500 buildings in Los Angeles and around the globe. This would be laudable on its own but there’s a twist. Given the reality of racism in his day, Williams taught himself to draw upside down because most of his white clients would be uncomfortable sitting next to him. Similarly, aviator Bessie Coleman, the first black woman to earn a pilot’s license (1921), taught herself French in order to attend a flying school because the ones in the United States denied her entry. The circumstances of race and gender discrimination caused these pioneers – and countless others – to surmount considerable obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams.
Frequently, the obstructions or the naysayers can feel so persistent that we cannot see a glimmer of the golden light of what we wish to achieve. Even when the solutions are not as complex as drawing upside down or speaking another language, we can amplify the barriers – in our own lives and in envisioning a world that can heal – to the point of distraction and inaction.
Author James Clear in his book, Atomic Habits, encourages us to tackle barriers in this way, “When making plans, think big. When making progress, think small.” Recognizing (even celebrating) incremental progress is a way to achieve desired outcomes — step-by-step. He notes, “One of the most motivating feelings to the human mind is the feeling of progress.”
Along those lines, I have been saying tiny cheers recently (an antidote to a bit of weariness) for progress on a significant partnership we’ve been working on since July. I hope to be able to share the news with you soon.
I have been saying big cheers for the progress at the HYPE Center. We were sidelined in January (thanks, Omicron), but I am pleased to report that we are now doing weekly visits. Last week, Board member Cameron Jones and I had a heartwarming session with several young people and staff members. When asked to introduce themselves, after their names, this is what we heard from the youth. “I draw, I’m creative.” “I am outgoing.” “I am strong.” “I am a powerful spirit and aura.” They were owning their assets — affirming the qualities that meant the most to them – not seeing the obstacles inherent in their realities but embracing the essence of their being.
After the meditation, most said they were so relaxed they could have fallen asleep. (I took that as an encouraging sign.) Cameron, who was doing energy management in the room, mentioned seeing a deep purple light, “like the flashes in Black Panther’s energy-absorbing suit.” (The group appreciated that reference.) Many had seen colors – swirls of blues, oranges, purples, and greens. One young woman, who was new to the group, said, “I felt like my spirit was giving me a hug. I saw colors too; it looked like a rainbow coming out of the clouds.” (She is the artist featured in this month’s image.)
It was splendid to feel the energy flowing like a gentle wave from one person to the next, encircling each of us, as though our spirits were joining forces to help us feel into the connection. Others mentioned they sensed it too. The session ended (for the first time) in hugs – the healing work of Soul Seeds, helping them to see things anew by revealing their own inner light.
“The new dawn blooms as we free it/ For there is always light/ If only we’re brave enough to see it/ If only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb.
Like rainbows that appear out of the clouds, barriers can give way to beautiful, spiritually illuminated resolutions when we are courageous, committed, and creative. Here’s to being our own special light. Here’s to trusting its unique brilliance contributes to healings that expand beyond our wildest imaginings.
Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers)
Executive Director
In Case You Missed It:
February Frequency Forecast Video by Founder, Nancy Rebecca | The Year of the Healer is “breaking down old systems to break through to new levels of consciousness.”
Resources:
My Life is Worth Living, the first animated online series to address teen mental health, now available on YouTube in five languages.
February is American Heart Month. The American Heart Association is “urging people all over the country to ‘reclaim your rhythm’ … [for] mental and physical well-being after two difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Article includes tips on how to do it.
It’s also Great American Pie Month. “It’s the month to share a slice of pie or a recipe with your family and friends and binge on your zaniest pie fantasies.”
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